What Is 2013 FIFA Club World Cup squads

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 FIFA Club World Cup squads featured 7 teams, each submitting up to 23 players, with the tournament held in Morocco from December 10–21, 2013. Rosters included stars like Andrés Iniesta and Luis Suárez, representing continental champions such as Bayern Munich and Atlético Mineiro.

Key Facts

7 teams participated in the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup, each registering a maximum of 23 players.
The tournament took place in Morocco from December 10 to December 21, 2013.
Bayern Munich won the championship, defeating Atlético Mineiro 2–0 in the final.
Squad lists were finalized by December 8, 2013, per FIFA regulations.
Lionel Messi played for FC Barcelona, while Andrés Iniesta and Luis Suárez also featured in the tournament.

Overview

The 2013 FIFA Club World Cup brought together continental club champions to compete for the title of world club champion. Held in Morocco from December 10 to 21, the tournament featured seven squads, each representing their respective confederation's top club.

Teams qualified based on winning their regional competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League or CONMEBOL Libertadores. Each squad could register up to 23 players, with final rosters submitted to FIFA by December 8, 2013.

Bayern Munich entered as UEFA Champions League holders, bringing a full-strength squad including Mario Götze and Manuel Neuer to defend their continental honor.
Atlético Mineiro represented South America after winning the 2013 Copa Libertadores, led by star forward Ronaldinho in what was his final international club appearance.
FC Barcelona qualified as UEFA runners-up due to Bayern’s double win, allowing Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta to participate despite not being champions.
Al-Ahly of Egypt represented CAF as reigning African champions, fielding a squad built around domestic league success and continental experience.
Guangzhou Evergrande made history as the first Chinese club to reach the tournament, qualifying via the 2013 AFC Champions League title under manager Marcello Lippi.

How It Works

The 2013 FIFA Club World Cup squad system followed strict eligibility and submission rules set by FIFA to ensure fair and balanced competition among continental representatives.

Registration Deadline: All teams had to submit their final 23-player squads by December 8, 2013. No changes were allowed after this date except for serious injury.
Eligibility: Players had to be registered with their clubs and eligible under FIFA’s club competition regulations, including no active suspensions or disciplinary bans.
Minimum Squad Size: Each team was required to name at least 18 players, with a maximum of 23, including a minimum of three goalkeepers.
Injury Replacements: In case of serious injury before a team’s first match, FIFA allowed one replacement with approval from the organizing committee.
Matchday Rosters: For each game, coaches selected 18 players from the 23-man squad, with 11 starters and up to 7 substitutes allowed.
Player Numbers: FIFA required all squad members to wear unique numbers from 1 to 23 for official identification during broadcasts and statistics tracking.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the seven participating teams and their squad compositions:

Team	Confederation	Qualified As	Squad Size	Key Player
Bayern Munich	UEFA	2012–13 UEFA Champions League winners	23	Manuel Neuer
Atlético Mineiro	CONMEBOL	2013 Copa Libertadores winners	23	Ronaldinho
FC Barcelona	UEFA	UEFA Champions League runners-up	23	Lionel Messi
Al-Ahly	CAF	2012–13 CAF Champions League winners	23	Mohamed Aboutrika
Guangzhou Evergrande	AFC	2013 AFC Champions League winners	23	Dario Conca
Club Tijuana	CONCACAF	2013 CONCACAF Champions League winners	23	Carlos Vela
Auckland City	OFC	2012–13 OFC Champions League winners	23	Emil Harnqvist

The table highlights the global diversity of the competition, with clubs from six confederations participating. While European and South American teams featured globally recognized stars, OFC and AFC representatives showcased emerging talent and regional dominance. Despite disparities in resources, all squads adhered to the same 23-player limit, ensuring structural fairness.

Why It Matters

The 2013 FIFA Club World Cup squads represent a snapshot of global club football at a pivotal moment, reflecting both elite dominance and rising international participation.

The inclusion of Guangzhou Evergrande marked a milestone for Asian football, signaling the growing investment and competitiveness of Chinese clubs.
For Auckland City, participation offered rare exposure on the world stage, helping develop OFC’s profile despite limited resources.
Bayern Munich’s victory solidified their status as the world’s top club in 2013, completing a historic quintuple of major titles.
The tournament provided a platform for stars like Ronaldinho to close their international club careers with global recognition.
FC Barcelona’s presence, despite not being champions, highlighted UEFA’s influence in FIFA’s qualification structure.
Squad regulations set a precedent for future tournaments, influencing how FIFA manages player eligibility and team composition.

Ultimately, the 2013 squads illustrate the evolving landscape of club football, where tradition meets globalization and emerging powers challenge established hierarchies.